Conditions InDepth: Cervical Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells grow in an abnormal way. Normally, the cells divide in a controlled manner to replace old or damaged cells. If cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue called a tumor forms.

A tumor can be benign or malignant. A benign tumor is not cancer and will not spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor is cancer. Cancer cells invade and damage tissue around them. They can also enter the lymph and blood streams, spreading to other parts of the body. Cervical cancer is the development of malignant cells in the cervix.

Normal Anatomy and the Development of Cervical Cancer

The cervix is a canal that connects the lower part of the uterus to the upper part of the vagina. The canal allows for menstrual blood to flow out of the body. When a woman is pregnant, the cervix helps to keep the fetus inside the uterus until labor and delivery. During labor, the cervix flattens and opens, allowing the fetus to pass into the birth canal.

Normal cells divide and grow to replace old or damaged cells. If the cells are altered, they divide in an abnormal way and behave as a cancer. It is not always known what triggers cells to produce cancerous cells, but almost all cases of cervical cancer are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Persistent HPV infection causes irritation and inflammation, disrupting the normal cell structure. Eventually, this can lead to abnormal growth. HPV is very common, but not all HPV infection will turn into cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can also develop without the presence of HPV.

Cervical cancer can cause abnormal bleeding. If cancer spreads beyond the cervix, it can penetrate nearby structures, such as the vagina, uterus, rectum, and urinary tract, and interfere with their normal function. Cancer can also spread to lymph nodes or blood vessels, which can carry cancer cells to other areas of the body. The growth of cervical cancer in other areas of body is called metastatic cancer. The most common sites for metastatic cervical cancer are the bones, liver, and lungs.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.